What is a UTR Number and How Do You Get One?

What is a UTR Number?

A UTR number — short for Unique Taxpayer Reference — is a 10-digit number issued by HMRC to identify individuals and businesses for tax purposes. It is used on all correspondence with HMRC and is required to file a Self Assessment tax return.

Who Needs a UTR Number?

You will need a UTR number if you:

• Are self-employed or a sole trader
• Are a director of a limited company who needs to file a personal Self Assessment return
• Have income from multiple sources that needs to be declared to HMRC
• Are a partner in a business partnership
• Have income from property or investments above certain thresholds
• Are registering a limited company for Corporation Tax

Is a UTR Number the Same as a Company UTR?

No — there are two types of UTR number:

• Personal UTR — issued to individuals for Self Assessment purposes
• Company UTR — issued to limited companies when they register for Corporation Tax with HMRC

If you are a director of a limited company, you may need both — a personal UTR for your own Self Assessment return and a company UTR for the company's Corporation Tax return.

How Do You Get a UTR Number?

For Individuals (Self Assessment)

1. Go to gov.uk and search "Register for Self Assessment"
2. Sign in to or create a Government Gateway account
3. Register as self-employed or for Self Assessment
4. HMRC will send your UTR number by post within 10 working days (21 days if you're abroad)

For Limited Companies (Corporation Tax)

When you register a limited company with Companies House, HMRC is automatically notified. HMRC will send the company's UTR number to the company's registered office address within a few weeks of registration — another reason why having a reliable registered office address is so important.

Where Can You Find Your UTR Number?

Your UTR number can be found on:

• Your Self Assessment tax return
• Any letters from HMRC
• Your online HMRC account (Government Gateway)
• Previous tax calculations or payment reminders

Keep Your Registered Office Address Up to Date

HMRC sends your company UTR and other important correspondence to your registered office address. If this address is out of date or invalid, you risk missing critical tax documents. Spectre Offices provides reliable registered office addresses with mail forwarding and scanning, so you never miss correspondence from HMRC.

Get a compliant registered office address today.